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Starting December 1, consumers with the small business American Express Platinum card, as well as cardholders with the exclusive Centurion Card can look forward to adding some additional rewards travel benefits.
For high-rolling credit card users undaunted by its $450 annual fee, the American Express Platinum charge card has long offered both some of the best rewards benefits, as well as some of the more attractive perks among travel rewards cards. For frequent travelers who use the services covered by the new benefits, the additional perks make the Amex Platinum charge card almost, but not quite, pay for itself.
First of all, as of December 1, Amex will offer cardholders a yearly $200 airline fee credit for incidental travel-related charges. Whether it’s buying an in-flight meal, getting a one-day pass for an airport lounge, checking an extra bag (or paying overweight charges on your spouse’s suitcase), American Express will cover up to $200 of such travel-related charges for Platinum and Centurion cardholders. Cardholders must enroll in the service to get the $200 credit, and it applies to one selected airline.
In addition, cardholders who use the Amex Pay with Points program to redeem rewards point to pay for travel-related expenses, such as flights, hotels, and vacation packages, will get 20 percent of the points credited back to their account. This feature essentially increases the value of rewards earnings by 20 percent when cardholders use the Pay with Points service. For example, a cardholder cashing in 30,000 points to pay for an airline ticket, will receive back a 6,000 point travel bonus.
Amex has also launched a complimentary mobile app to help users stay abreast on flight alerts, locate airport lounges, download an airport guide, and so on.
The new rewards benefits are in addition to those already afforded to Amex Platinum and Centurion cardholders. These include access to personal services from Amex concierges, who will help with travel-related booking, restaurant reservations and even personalized shopping.
Platinum cardholders also receive special amenities and perks when staying at select hotels, access to airport lounges around the world, and access to exclusive Amex rewards benefits for luxury retail, lifestyle, and travel-related experiences. For the exclusive Centurion card, perks are even more attractive, and include free upgrades to business or first class upon availability, free companion tickets, and elite status on certain hotels and resorts, and more.
